North Dakota, located in the Upper Midwest and the Great Plains’ region of the United States, is composed of 70,762 square miles, making it the 19th largest state by area in the country. Most people in the state live in Wells County, near Sykeston. North Dakota was admitted to the Union as the 39
th state on November 2, 1889.For recreation, there are several art museums and musical groups located throughout North Dakota. These institutions include the Chester Fritz Auditorium, Empire Arts Center, and North Dakota Museum of Art. Orchestras such as the Minot Symphony Orchestra and Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra are known for playing concerts and mentoring the community through educational programs throughout the year. Agriculture is the largest industry in North Dakota and is important to the state’s economy. In fact, this state has its own flour mill, the North Dakota Mill and Elevator in Grand Forks. North Dakota is the largest U.S. producer of barley.Transportation in the state, including highways and railroads, is managed by the North Dakota Department of Transportation. Empire Builder, one of Amtrak’s trains, provides transportation throughout North Dakota.North Dakota’s capital is Bismarck, and its largest city is Fargo. The main public universities are located in Grand Forks and Fargo. The U.S. Air Force has bases at both Minot and Grand Forks.